“It just brings back old memories right now,” Aikens said. “Just going back to it, just got to get into the playbook. I mean, I’m pretty natural at safety. That was my first position. I really understand, it’s just about getting the plays down.”

Aikens has actually done a solid job in his new, but old, position and earned praise from defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle. Head Coach Joe Philbin said that Aikens will also see some time at cornerback.

If anything else, Aikens bolstered his chances of making the roster because of his versatility and will provide good depth this coming season.